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♦ From 2000 to 2010 the population in Minnesota has increased 7.8%. ♦ Minnesota’s birth rate was last recorded in ♦ 13.9 births per 1,000 people ♦ The death rate in 2008 had fallen 11% since ♦ 2008: deaths per 100,000 people unwed-mothers-reach-alltime-high-10- states-still-have-low-birth-rates-out-wedlock for-obituaries.html

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♦ Minnesota’s life expectancy is 79 years of age. ♦ State ranks number two in the country ♦ Hawaii sits at number one with 80 years of age ♦ The country as whole has an average life expectancy of 78.1 years of age. es/UK-using-Swine-Flu-to-cut-down-on-undesirables- Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html os/rileyroxx/ /

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♦ Even though smoking in Minnesota has gone down 5% between the years 1999 and 2007 it still has great impact on the state. ♦ $33 billion is spent on healthcare every year in Minnesota. ♦ Much of this burden is due to health problems people get from smoking. ♦ $2.87 billion annually ($554 per person of the state’s entire population) ♦ The amount of money spent in this area could be used to build 5 Target Field’s, pay for 57,000 4-year degrees, or even 72,000 jobs that pay $40,000. ♦ Not only is it a strain on healthcare smoking claims 5,000 Minnesota lives every year.

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 While other types of cancer cases have been decreasing over the years skin cancer cases has been increasing.  In Minnesota the rate of getting skin caner is between 22.2 and 28.1 percent.  The state in one of twelve other states that is in the highest percentage bracket in the country.  The Ozone Layer is the main culprit.  Each year the hole in the Ozone Layer gets larger and larger due to the use of products that contain chlorofluorocarbons.  As the hole in the Ozone Layer gets bigger more and more UVB rays known for playing a key role in the development of skin cancer (melanoma) are reaching the Earth’s surface.  To help prevent skin cancer wear protective clothing, put on sunscreen, seek the shade rather than the sun, and avoid tanning beds.

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♦ Rocks can tell what happened in Minnesota’s past. ♦ Along the North Shore of Lake Superior there is bentonite clay that forms from volcanic ash. A volcano existed there long ago. ♦ All types of rock found in Minnesota are outlined in the “Geologic Time Table”. ♦ When it says “No record in MN” it means that rocks from that period in time have not been found within the state. ology/digging/detectives.html

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♦ There is some sort of flooding every year in Minnesota. ♦ Each dot on the map to the right shows the flood risk in specific areas. ♦ There is no flood risk right now because all of the water is frozen at the time this map was looked at. ♦ As the water thaws the dots will become different colors based off of the amount of flood risk. ♦ The National Weather Service in Chanhassen, MN keeps track of this. ♦ The office also issues warnings for normal flooding as well as flash floods. /2009/03/the-rise-of-the-red-river/ m/dont_mess_with_taxes/2009/04/stor m-victims-get-more-time-to-file.html

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♦ Forest fires ♦ Dry conditions ♦ Hot temperatures ♦ Ex. The Great Fire of 1894 ♦ Floods ♦ Heavy winter snow thaws at a rapid rate ♦ Ex. The Red River is famous for its floods ♦ Tornados ♦ ¾ of the state’s tornadoes occur in the months of May, June, and July ♦ Minnesota lies in the northern region of Tornado Alley ♦ Annual average is about 27 per year.

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♦ Between 2010 and 2030 Minnesota will have spent $560.4 billion on various fossil fuels. ♦ Fossil fuels are the number one source in air pollution and global warming. ♦ It’s also one of the leading causes of water pollution. ♦ Minnesota is looking to Congress to break the dependence on oil and coal and make clean, renewable energy a part of the future. ♦ This will create jobs. ♦ It will also stop Global Warming. news/dependence-on-big-oil-dirty-coal-could-cost-minnesota billion-by-2030

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♦ Even though wind and solar energy are becoming more popular the DNR in Minnesota has another resource in mind. ♦ The Minnesota DNR has been using the prairie grasslands as renewable energy. ♦ By using this biomass and the woody biomasses from the coniferous and broadleaf biomes the DNR is making Minnesota one of the nation’s leaders in conservation-based energy. ♦ One of the goals is to create a biomass fuel in the future.

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♦ Minnesota is moving forward in clean energy sources. ♦ In 2006 state legislature signed by governor Tim Pawlenty stated utility providers need at least 25% of their energy to come from solar, wind, or other renewable resources. ♦ Minnesota also has incentive programs to encourage residents to use renewable energy sources. ♦ One of the main incentive plans is the Solar Choice Program. ♦ The PV rebate program used in this incentive plan is funded by Xcel Energy. ♦Absorbs upfront costs up to $20,000 ♦ Numerous public utility companies offer similar incentive programs.

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♦ Ex: Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant ♦ Located on the Mississippi River near Red Wing. ♦ Made up of two units. ♦ Has two cooling towers. ♦Water Circulation system that discharges only limited amounts of water back into the river. ♦Plums seen are made of condensation ♦ From 1994 to the beginning of 2011 the construction or expansion of nuclear power plants was banned. ♦ In February of this year the ban has been lifted by the decision of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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♦ By finding new sources for energy Minnesota is stepping in the right direction. ♦ This has and is still not always the case. ♦ Minnesota is still the land of many shopping malls that use an excessive amount of energy everyday. ♦ So much goes into powering these huge buildings briefandtothepoint.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

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♦ Our state encourages affluenza. ♦ Not only through energy consumption, but product consumption as well. ♦ The Mall of America is a prime example. ♦ There’s more than 400 stores within the Mall of America. ♦ million visitors per year. ♦ Nearly $2 billion dollars is spent here every year. ♦ The whole purpose of this mall and others in Minnesota is to buy (consume) as much as possible in one place. unityPwaysWinter04Affluenza.pdf sjhelium.com/2010/12/08/what-type-of-shopaholic-are-you

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 Minnesota has both open and closed landfills.  Open landfills actively accept certain regulated types wastes for disposal.  Closed Landfill Program makes sure that sealed landfills are well maintained and meet Minnesota’s sanitary laws.  Landfills that do not have valid permits issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. programs/landfills-and-dumps/landfills/dumps-in-minnesota.html

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 SMART system: Self Managed Activities for Recyclables and Trash  Individuals are in charge of their own waste and recyclables  Program makes individuals responsible for their own waste.  Program gives individuals the choice to participate or not and is not mandated.  Encourages waste reduction at the source (the individuals).

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♦ There are over 400 rare species in Minnesota today. ♦ Many of these species made the Minnesota rare species list because their habitats have been destroyed through agriculture, deforestation, and the growing cities and suburbs. ♦ About 100 of the species are also endangered (or in other words threatened with extinction). Most of which are vascular plants. minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/10/rare-species files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/ets/endlist.pdf

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Mute Swan ♦ From insects to larger animal invasive species are a problem in Minnesota that affects both plants and other animals. ♦ The most common include: ♦ Mute Swan : Aggressive animals that chase other birds and animals (even people) which keeps them from nesting. It is also a threat to aquatic vegetation eating 20 lbs of it daily. ♦ Earthworm : There are 15 species of earthworms that are non-native to Minnesota. They eat a natural occurring layer of dead leaves and such that is home to many ground animals and where wildflowers grow out from. ♦ Gypsy Moth : These insects can eat all of green foliage off of trees. Through repetition of this act many trees will die which will cause a change to tree species and dependant wildlife. ♦ Emerald Ash Borer : This insect kills ash trees and at a rapid rate. Millions in North America have already been affected and an estimated 937 million in Minnesota are projected to be affected in the future.

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♦ Chemical pest control is one way to reduce the population of unwanted invasive species that include the Emerald Ash Borer. ♦ To help keep the invasive species population to a minimum people should go to great lengths to make sure they are not carrying them. ♦ If we stop introducing the invasive species in Minnesota to new areas, then they can be contained to the areas they already exist in and possibly terminated. ♦ If you find an invasive species get in touch with a state or federal program to see what you can do about it. ♦ Most of the invasive species in Minnesota are insects that cause harm to the plant life in the state. Emerald Ash Borer Gypsy Moth

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♦ One major hazard in Minnesota is asbestos. ♦ Serious health risks occur when a person comes in contact with it. ♦ At the slightest disturbance asbestos can become airborne and dangerous. ♦ Removal and disposal of asbestos in Minnesota is highly regulated. ♦ Must be disposed only at an approved landfill. ♦ Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency or Minnesota’s Department of Health handles all asbestos issues and situations. ♦ Two landfills that are approved for asbestos disposal are the Elk River Landfill and the Onyx Landfill in Buffalo.

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♦ Minnesota is a big farm state and several of these are dairy farms. ♦ For many years artificial selection has been used on cows for dairy production purposes. ♦ Certain traits of cattle are “selected” for future breeding. ♦ Research done by the U of M shows that cows that have undergone artificial selection produced more milk. ahfd.ap.nic.in/igcarl/holstein.htm

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♦ This method is used in plants as well as animals. ♦ Plant pathologists and plant breeders are genetically engineering agricultural plants like wheat. ♦ The goal is to make wheat more resistant to pathogens that are harmful to humans. peakingofScience/BrianSteffenson/index.htm n.com/id/ /ns/ world_news-americas/

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♦ Locally grown foods and beverages have great potential spur the local and state economy. ♦ Minnesota supports the statewide program called “Minnesota Grown.” ♦ 1,000 farms are members ♦ 10-15% are certified organic growers. ♦ The program utilizes the foods that are already grown in the state and encouraging consumers to purchase these foods. ♦ The main places to find what’s been grown in Minnesota are the farmers markets throughout the state ♦ Most of Minnesota’s food production comes from agricultural endeavors. ♦ Dairy ♦ Plant ♦ Animal ♦ Basically we’re talking farms. ♦ Minnesota is one of the nation’s leaders in a wide range of agricultural products. ♦ 40% of the state’s farm production is sold to processing companies in the state. ♦ Minnesota is home to some of the largest processing companies in the world

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♦ To become more energy independent Minnesota is encouraging the collection of Corn Stover from harvested fields. ♦ Although there are incentive plans for farmers from the state they should think twice about the collection of this product. ♦ Soil erosion has already occurred on farms that have taken the Corn Stover from the fields. ♦ It is bad for the soil in that the crop residues (Corn Stover) are not being put into the soil and therefore depriving it of key nutrients to make it organic and rich. ♦ There are some studies going on right now that look to compost for the solution. Compost, which is full of organic nutrients, may be the answer to reduce soil erosion to a minimum while still being able to collect Corn Stover.

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♦ Tropical deforestation is affecting Minnesota farms and jobs. ♦ The illegal deforestation is done so people can have land to farm. ♦ Illegal overseas agriculture is flooding the market with cheap, unprocessed products. ♦ Drive down prices ♦ Undermines Minnesota exports ♦ This isn’t the only problem. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia have residents that are cutting down forests at an alarming rate. ♦ 30 million acres per year ♦ When deforestation occurs there is burning involved. ♦ This burning sends more carbon pollution into the atmosphere than all the world’s vehicles and planes combined. ♦ Such pollution is harmful to the growing of fruits and vegetables.

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♦ Logging has been an important part of Minnesota’s economy. ♦ There was a boom in the industry in 1905 that made logging popular. ♦ Technological advances have changed logging by industrializing it. ♦ Horses have been replaced with small tractors. ♦ Gasoline powered chainsaws replaced axes.

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 Air pollution levels in Minnesota are a lot lower than in most other states.  Minnesotans need to do what they can to reduce the amounts of air pollution because it is a problem and transfers to other states through wind currents.  Emissions from incinerators like the one in Red Wing affect Alaskans.  The toxins that come from the incinerator has been found in the Alaskan women’s breast milk  The people of Minnesota need to do their part by driving the most fuel-efficient vehicles and avoid pesticide use and exposure.

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dentprojects/ENVI_133_Spr_08/Agricultural%20impacts/AgMnRi/C hemical%20Use.html ♦ Phosphorous pollution is in the Minnesota River. ♦ Land surrounding the river is a high density agricultural area. ♦ Runoff from pesticides and fertilizers enter the river. ♦ This organic compound increases the growth of algae. ♦ When the algae breaks down, the oxygen levels in the river decrease which causes death to the fish in the river.

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♦ 1967 was the years Minnesota first adopted a statewide water quality standards. ♦ The federal Clean Water Act of 1972 further enforced Minnesota’s water quality standards. ♦ There are many rules in Minnesota to keep the water healthy and as unpolluted as possible. ♦ Water is used for a number of things like: ♦ Drinking water ♦ Aquatic life and recreation ♦ Industrial use and cooling ♦ Agricultural use ♦ It is important that all water sources (surface or ground water) are kept clean to keep a stable and healthy environment. reporting/water-quality-and-pollutants/water-quality-standards.html

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♦ Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program of Shakopee, Minnesota. ♦ Goal is to prevent/ reduce the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface and ground water via storm sewer systems. ♦ There are six minimum control measures that the program calls for ♦ Public Education and Outreach ♦ Public Participation and Involvement ♦ Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination ♦ Construction Site Runoff Control ♦ Post-Construction Storm Water Management ♦ Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

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 Sulfates and nitrates make up a large portion of the small particles in acid rain.  Inhalation penetrates deep into the lungs which can cause a number of health and respiratory problems.  The particles absorb light and reduces visibility causing air traffic problems.  The nitrogen absorbed by trees makes them more susceptible to stresses including the cold weather in Minnesota winters.  It causes the formation of smog which is a health concern.  Acid rain also degrades buildings, bridges, monuments and other things built within the environment beyond natural weathering.

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♦ The state’s Dam’s Safety Program was created in ♦ Promotes dam safety. ♦ Requires regular inspections, repair of state owned dams, and the creation of a dam database. ♦ Both privately and publically owned dams are regulated. ♦ The Dam Safety Program sets minimum standards regarding safety, design, construction, and operation. ♦ Standards are implemented through inspections, permitting, and correcting deficiencies.

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♦ Minnesota is making an effort to recover and protect habitat through the Minnesota Ecosystems Recovery Project (MERP). ♦ This non-profit organization works to challenge environmentally damaging activities. ♦ MERP also uses a conservation strategy that includes their nature reserve system. ♦ The map below outlines MERP’s plans for establishing nature reserves.

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♦ This is one of the most popular zoo and aquarium in the state. ♦ Founded in 1978 the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world. ♦ More than 3,711 animals (518 species) reside at the zoo who attract an average of 1.3 million guests annually. ♦ The zoo has cutting edge exhibits that provide an exciting experience of seeing animals in their natural habitats. ♦ The Minnesota Zoo has received several awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. ♦ Best Exhibit Award ♦ Award for Significant Achievement ♦ Russia’s Grizzly Coast Award—the zoo won a state-of-the-art exhibit featuring grizzly’s, otters, wild boars, and Amur leopards.

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♦ The Act recognizes that restoration and maintenance of environmental quality is critical. ♦ All projects need to be reviewed to see the amount of impact it will have on the environment. ♦ The environmental information gathered is used as a guide in issuing, amending, and denying permits. ♦ The Act is in place to avoid/minimize adverse effects on the environment and to restore/enhance environmental quality. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=

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♦ Every so often Minnesota adults are surveyed to test their knowledge about topics surrounding the environment as well as look at their attitudes. ♦ 40% of those surveyed believe that they are knowledgeable about environmental problems and 43% tested to be above average. ♦ In previous years there has been a large discrepancy in these two percentages. ♦ 62% of Minnesotans have at least an average level of knowledge. ♦ 38% are below average ♦ Fewer than 1/3 of those surveyed were familiar with the environmental laws that related to certain issues. ♦ Energy conservation and efficiency ♦ Water pollution ♦ Land development ♦ Chemicals in food ♦ Air pollution ♦ Global Warming ♦ When asked where the majority of all garbage goes to 5% answered correctly with recycle centers and 73% answered incorrectly with landfills. ♦ This is surprising considering 85% of those surveyed regularly recycle. ► There are many more issues covered in the Minnesota Environmental literacy survey. ► In order for the state to move forward the people need to be educated on this subject.